Pregnancy Lecture Review

50 practice flashcards in Question and Answer style based on the provided lecture notes about pregnancy and prenatal care.

What is a basic demographic question asked at a doctor's office?

Patient demographics (age, date of birth, marital status, race).

What is the fancy term for removing uterine fibroids?

Myomectomy.

What are uterine fibroids also known as?

Uterine myomas.

What medication is often taken for hypothyroidism?

Levothyroxine.

What medication is used as needed for asthma?

Albuterol.

Besides last known period, what critical information is needed about a pregnant woman's history?

Number of previous pregnancies, issues with previous pregnancies, and immunization status.

Why is immunization status, specifically Rubella, important for pregnant women?

Rubella can cross the placental barrier and cause birth defects or fetal demise if contracted during pregnancy.

Can pregnant women receive live vaccines like MMR?

No.

What does the term "gravida" refer to in pregnancy?

The total number of times a woman has been pregnant, including the current pregnancy and any miscarriages.

What does the term "para" refer to in pregnancy?

The number of pregnancies that made it past 20 weeks gestation, regardless of outcome.

If a woman has two living children and a miscarriage at 21 weeks, what would be her para number?

Three (2 living children + 1 miscarriage past 20 weeks).

If a woman has one living child and a miscarriage at 12 weeks, what would be her para number?

One (Miscarriage before 20 weeks does not count for para).

What term describes pregnancy signs like a missed period, morning sickness, and fatigue?

Presumptive signs.

Why are presumptive signs not definitive proof of pregnancy?

They can have other explanations besides pregnancy.

What term describes a positive at-home pregnancy test?

Probable sign.

Why is a positive at-home pregnancy test still considered only a probable sign?

It can sometimes be a false positive.

What are examples of probable signs that a physician might observe?

Changes in the cervix, such as color, size, and shape.

What are the definitive "positive signs" of pregnancy?

Seeing the baby on an ultrasound and hearing the fetal heartbeat.

What medical condition can sometimes elevate HCG levels without a baby being present?

Molar pregnancy.

How is a woman's estimated due date typically calculated at the first visit?

Using the date of her last menstrual period (LMP) with a due date calculator.

What is generally considered the most accurate method for establishing a due date?

Measuring the baby on an ultrasound.

During the first prenatal visit, what blood test is performed to check for anemia?

Complete Blood Count (CBC).

What essential supplement should all pregnant women take daily?

A prenatal vitamin.

If a pregnant woman is anemic, what additional supplement might be recommended?

Iron.

What advice should be given to a pregnant woman taking iron supplements to mitigate GI upset and improve absorption?

Take it with Vitamin C (e.g., orange juice) and consider taking it at night if she's experiencing vomiting.

What crucial nutrient in prenatal vitamins helps prevent spinal development issues in the baby?

Folic acid.

Why are pregnant women screened for STIs, regardless of their stated history?

As a general practice, it's recommended not to fully trust patient history alone, and STIs can impact pregnancy outcome.

The "type and screen" blood test checks for what specific factor in both parents that is crucial in pregnancy?

Rh factor (Rhesus factor), determining if blood is positive or negative.

What Rh factor combination between parents raises concern during pregnancy?

When the mother is Rh negative and the father is Rh positive.

What food items should pregnant women avoid due to potential health risks?

Raw sushi/meat, uncooked deli meats (unless warmed).

What non-food substance should pregnant women completely avoid?

Alcohol.

What common household chore should pregnant women avoid or perform with precautions due to toxoplasmosis risk?

Scooping cat litter.

What common over-the-counter pain relievers (NSAIDs) should pregnant women avoid?

Ibuprofen and Aleve.

What is the generally recommended pain reliever for headaches during pregnancy?

Tylenol (acetaminophen).

What non-pharmacological remedies can help alleviate morning sickness/nausea?

Peppermint, lemonade, eating saltine or butter crackers before getting out of bed, and consuming several small meals.

Why should a pregnant woman not be told to simply "not eat" if she feels nauseated?

She and the baby need adequate nutrients and calories for healthy growth and weight gain.

What spice or supplement is known to help with pregnancy-related nausea?

Ginger (e.g., ginger ale, ginger candies).

What is the general rule of thumb regarding exercise during pregnancy?

If a woman was doing it before pregnancy, she can continue, with modifications as needed.

What is the recommended position for a seatbelt for a pregnant woman?

Below the belly.

Is it generally safe for pregnant women to take baths?

Yes, usually, unless there's an "opening to the baby" (e.g., mucus plug expelled, water broke) or a doctor advises against it.

Is sexual activity during pregnancy generally safe?

Yes, unless the doctor advises against it due to specific complications like dilation.

What are the typical weeks that define the second trimester of pregnancy?

Approximately 13 to 27 or 28 weeks.

Historically, around what week range can the fetal heartbeat often first be heard using an external Doppler?

Around 8-10 weeks, sometimes as early as 6 weeks (often initially with a vaginal ultrasound).

What is "fundal height" and how is it measured?

The measurement in centimeters from the top of the uterus (fundus) to the top of the pubic bone; it should approximately correlate to the number of weeks pregnant.

What two substances are routinely checked in urine samples at every prenatal visit because they can indicate gestational diabetes or preeclampsia?

Glucose and protein.

What are common expected assessment findings or symptoms that typically improve during the second trimester?

Nausea and fatigue.

What are some common discomforts or new symptoms that may arise or worsen in the second trimester due to the growing abdomen?

Back pain, heartburn, constipation, hemorrhoids, stretch marks, and round ligament pain.

When do first-time mothers typically begin to feel fetal movement ("quickening")?

Around 18 to 22 weeks.

At what gestational age is the Group B Strep (GBS) test typically performed?

Between 35 and 36 weeks.

If a pregnant woman tests positive for Group B Strep, what is the standard course of action during labor?

IV antibiotics are administered during labor, ideally at least two hours before delivery, to protect the baby.